WHEN WILL SKIERS USE THE SKI CENTER ON MANJAČA?

The Manjača Ski Center project is currently in the planning and implementation phase according to the adopted master plan, which was presented in August 2022.

PHOTO: OC Jahorina

Detailed analyses have already been conducted, and the technical documentation has been prepared in accordance with the highest standards. In the upcoming period, concrete fieldwork is planned, including land preparation, the construction of a ski lift, and an artificial snowmaking system, pending approval from the Government of Republika Srpska for construction, representatives from the Olympic Center Jahorina, the project's lead organization, told eKapija.

The estimated value of the project, according to the master plan, is 53.36 million KM.

At the time of the public procurement announcement, we will reassess the market and verify the investment value, considering global changes in construction material prices and labor costs. The key goal remains rational budget management to ensure the ski center's financial sustainability and long-term economic viability, added representatives from the Olympic Center Jahorina.

The Manjača Ski Center will cover an area of 75,000 m², with two ski slopes totaling 2,500 meters in length, fully equipped with an artificial snowmaking system.

A six-seater ski lift, planned for the project's first phase, will be the key infrastructure element of the ski center, enabling fast and efficient transportation of skiers to the top of the slope. The ski lift will have a total vertical drop of 264 meters, a length of 1,000 meters, and a capacity of 4,000 skiers per hour. This setup has been carefully designed to provide optimal conditions for recreational and professional skiers, as well as beginners.

The first phase includes the construction of one ski lift, and the current development plan does not anticipate additional installations. The Manjača Ski Center will be much more than just a ski resort – it is envisioned as a comprehensive tourist destination operating year-round, with a particular focus on summer activities and training grounds for athletes, said representatives from OC Jahorina.

The complex will include a hotel, apartment accommodations, restaurants, apres-ski bars, and spacious parking areas. Special emphasis will be placed on summer attractions, including an adventure park, children's playground, tubing track, zipline, and sports fields tailored for both professional and recreational athletes.

The Manjača Ski Center will be designed to meet all visitor needs year-round. Essential infrastructure such as ski rentals, equipment storage, a ski school, maintenance services, and information desks will also be established. Additionally, in the long-term plan, amenities such as a medical center and pharmacy will be provided to ensure a comfortable and worry-free stay.

Manjača is expected to become a destination offering diverse activities throughout the year, attracting tourists, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. The location boasts a strategic advantage, being only 25 km from Banja Luka and near the airport, with a favorable northwest orientation for ski center operations.

In addition to ski slopes and the six-seater ski lift, the ski center will feature an advanced artificial snowmaking system to ensure stable skiing conditions throughout the season. The planned system will be able to cover both slopes within 75 hours, guaranteeing a minimum of 100 operational days per season.

The project also includes the construction of an artificial reservoir to serve as a water source for snowmaking, enhancing the ecological sustainability of the center.

This snowmaking system ensures uninterrupted operations even when natural snowfall is insufficient, guaranteeing the center's stability and economic viability, explained representatives from OC Jahorina.

They also highlighted the growing demand for night skiing, confirming significant interest in this activity. As a result, a 1,130-meter-long night skiing trail is planned.

A strong focus will be placed on skier safety, with lighting strategically placed to ensure maximum visibility on the slopes. This will allow visitors to enjoy night skiing at the highest international standards.

The goal is to attract private investors who will further contribute to the ski center's development, supporting infrastructure and surrounding areas. The project is expected to create new jobs, employing 43 workers during the winter season and 30 during the summer.

The ski center's development will not only generate direct employment in hospitality, tourism, infrastructure maintenance, and administration but will also have a broader economic impact on the local community. The opening of the ski center is expected to stimulate local food production, tourism services, and craftsmanship, creating additional job opportunities and boosting the region's economy.

Representatives from OC Jahorina stated that current plans do not include further expansion of the ski center but rather focus on improving existing facilities to provide the best experience for visitors year-round.

Access to the Manjača Ski Center will be organized according to the adopted master plan, ensuring appropriate transportation and accompanying infrastructure for a smooth and secure visitor experience.

Following government approval, the project is expected to take two years for full completion. Based on this timeline, the first skiers could enjoy the Manjača Ski Center as soon as construction and trail preparations are successfully completed.